Volvo announces further changes in the management team
In March, Volvo’s board of directors dismissed CEO Jim Rowan and appointed his predecessor, Hakan Samuelsson, as his successor for two years, until a younger and long-term successor is found. Samuelsson, Volvo’s long-standing CEO, is well over 70 years old.
Now, Samuelsson and the board are restructuring the management team with another Volvo returnee. Erik Severinson, previously Chief Product & Strategy Officer, has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer with immediate effect. Severinson is succeeded in this role by Michael Fleiss, who is returning to Volvo. Fleiss worked for the Swedish carmaker for almost ten years until 2021, most recently as Managing Director Combustion Powertrain Operations, before moving to Aurobay Sweden, which was later taken over by Horse Powertrain, the joint venture between Geely and Renault. Most recently, he was Chief Strategy Officer at Horse Powertrain.
This move will also bring about organisational changes. Volvo Cars’ sales team will be divided into regions in future. “The newly announced regions will form the commercial team under Erik Severinson’s leadership,” the car manufacturer announced. In addition, the Swedish company plans to appoint product line managers who will then report to Chief Commercial Officer Severinson.
“I’m very pleased to welcome Erik to this new role, and to welcome Michael back to Volvo Cars,” says Volvo CEO Samuelsson. “Erik and Michael are highly experienced and brings a deep understanding of our company and customers, strategy and operations. The changes we are doing will strengthen Volvo Cars at this pivotal moment for the company and the industry.”
“In a rapidly changing and highly competitive market, we need to be more connected than ever to our customers’ expectations across every region,” said Severinson, the newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer. “I’m excited to bring our regional, product and commercial teams closer together to ensure we’re delivering a compelling offer to every customer – wherever they are – and strengthening Volvo Cars’ position as a truly customer-centric, global brand.”
”I’m delighted to return to Volvo Cars and take on the role of Chief Strategy & Product Officer,” said Michael Fleiss. “Whilst this is a challenging time for the industry, it’s an incredibly energising moment to be in strategy development. We are in the middle of a transformative change driven by electrification and technology, and Volvo Cars is well-positioned to lead the way in delivering these benefits to customers.”
This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.
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